La Caja de Musica is one of those spots in Taipei that I have heard a lot about, but never got around to trying in my 10 years on the island. I had to rectify that, and I am glad that I did! I wouldn’t say that Spanish tapas in Taipei is particularly popular or that Spanish food in Taipei is abundant in any way. I’ve had some very average experiences with Spanish food in the city, with many claiming a delicious paella and leaving me underwhelmed, or claiming delicious tapas and then leaving me deflated.
Quintessential Spanish tapas is simple to prepare and uses few ingredients, but those that it does use are fresh and offer bright and punchy flavours. I usually want some great cheese, cured meat, spicy potatoes, garlic shrimp, and lots of other tomato-based delicacies.
From Basque Country classic pintxos – bite-sized delicacies skewered with toothpicks – to the more substantial shared plates of Spain’s southern Andalusian tip, tapas showcase the incredible diversity of Spanish cuisine. Imagine a table laden with vibrant dishes: marinated olives, plump garlic shrimp, crispy fried squid rings, savoury meatballs, and yummy chorizo. It’s such a beautiful scene.
Then there’s the seafood. You can indulge in mussels, succulent grilled octopus, and delicate anchovies if you like that. Hearty options include pan con tomate (rustic bread rubbed with garlic and tomato), patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with a spicy sauce), and tortilla española (a savoury potato and onion omelette). But what about La Caja de Musica? What’s good here? Is the paella worth checking out? What about the tapas though?
Table of Contents
Tucked down a side street just off the busy Nanjing East Road close to one of my favourite Pineapple Cakes in the city, La Caja de Musica hums with conversations from the outside seating area, and if you come at the right time you’re likely to stumble into some live music, too. It can get busy here during peak times, so to avoid a wait you should reserve a table in advance. You can do this at the link below:
Book a table using Inline by clicking here
If you aren’t sure how to order or what to do when you arrive at La Caja de Musica, then this is the post for you. See below for How to Order in Taipei Restaurants like a definitive pro!
3 Fast Tips on How to Order in Taipei Restaurants like a definitive pro!
The Menu at La Caja de Musica
The bilingual menu reads like a who's who of Spanish food in Taipei, with all the classics jumping off the page at you. Simple bread served with delicious toppings such as cured ham, the majestic Manchego cheese, or the amazing Barcelona tomato bread - Pan Con Tomate.
Serrano Ham with Pan Tumaca
So a beer is a must. We went for a bottle of Mahou. It was tasty, but the winner here was that Serrano ham and that fresh tomato hiding underneath. The salty cured serrano ham is a thing of beauty and is something that I miss from back home in Europe. It's something so essential to simple Mediterranean comfort foods and is taken incredibly seriously around Spain and Italy.
Served here on top of a fresh tomato spread, this tapas was a great first bite of the meal. The silky smooth fat of the ham paired so nicely with that fresh garlic and tomato and the bread was the perfect vessel. Yum.
Manchego Cheese & Pumpkin Jam
A simple slice of bread, smothered with an earthy sweet pumpkin jam, sprinkled with some pine nuts, and then jabbed with slices of salty Manchego cheese. That's what Spanish tapas in Taipei is all about. I could have eaten 10 slices of this. Manchego, a semi-hard Spanish cheese traditionally made from Manchega sheep milk, boasts nutty flavours and a texture that sharpens with age. Its herringbone rind and mild aromas make it a versatile cheese that goes perfectly with honey, almonds, or a marmalade. The Manchego here paired so well with the sticky pumpkin jam which was hit with a punch of freshness from the pop of a pine nut.
Patatas Bravas
A staple order of mine whenever I get tapas, patatas bravas is incredibly simple. Yet, done well, can't fail to put a smile on your face. Roasted or deep-fried chunks of potatoes are dressed with garlic mayonnaise and also receive a generous lashing of a paprika & cayenne pepper-heavy tomato sauce. Originating in Madrid, this is a must-order as a starter in any Spanish restaurant you have the pleasure of going to. It goes down perfectly with a beer, too! These at La Caja de Musica had plenty of garlic and spice with them, and the potatoes were fluffy and piping hot throughout.
Seafood Rice Paella (small)
We opted for the small seafood paella at La Caja de Musica. Between the two of us, we left feeling quite full, especially considering the tapas that we also ordered. When the paella arrived it was humming with flavours and I couldn't wait to dive right in.
A quick squeeze of the lime, portioning off the shrimp and mussels, and it was time to mix it all up. After mixing and plating, came the tasting. It was pretty good. The seafood tasted great, which helped to balance the relatively salty paella it was served with. The rice itself had a great texture and flavour throughout. Did it amaze me? Perhaps not. It was tasty, but I can't help that I felt a little underwhelmed by it.
The Bottom Line
Is it worth it? La Caja de Musica is well worth it for Spanish tapas in Taipei. The ham and cheese offerings are great.
What is the best dish? The Manchego cheese with pumpkin jam was quality, as was the serrano ham with Pan Tumaca.
Are there other places like this? I've heard some great things about Jarana, but I have yet to go.